The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Researchers at Johns Hopkins APL and the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering are using artificial intelligence to transform how titanium alloy parts are made — unlocking faster, more-efficient manufacturing without sacrificing quality. https://jhuapl.link/a08 By applying AI-driven models to laser powder bed fusion— a cutting-edge 3D printing method for metals — the team identified new processing conditions that produce stronger, lighter components at greater speeds. Their findings, recently published in Additive Manufacturing, challenge long-held assumptions and could improve manufacturing for shipbuilding, aviation, and medical devices. “What used to take years of experimentation can now be accomplished in weeks, unlocking new possibilities for titanium and beyond,” said Brendan Croom, senior physical and materials scientist at APL. #JHUAPL | #ArtificialIntelligence | #MachineLearning | #AdditiveManufacturing | #LBPF | #AIinManufacturing | #MaterialsScience | #3DPrinting

Wargames are critical for national security, helping decision-makers test strategies in simulated scenarios, but traditional planning takes months. https://jhuapl.link/e61 Researchers at Johns Hopkins APL are developing an AI-driven capability that reduces wargame planning to just days. By integrating large language models (LLMs) with simulation tools, this approach streamlines scenario development, enhances strategic insights and makes wargaming more accessible. “This work is a major step forward in wargaming,” said Andrew Mara, head of APL’s National Security Analysis Department. “Senior leaders in the Department of Defense have been seeking something like this for more than a decade, and I think we are finally at the point where the demand signal and the technology are in alignment. Pair that with an outstanding team here at APL and I think we have a chance to change the very nature of wargaming in the national security community.” #JHUAPL | #ArtificialIntelligence | #Wargaming | #DefenseTech | #NationalSecurity | #EmergingTech | #Innovation | #LLM | #GenerativeAI | #MissionAnalysis

APL’s Satellite Communications Facility (SCF) is providing communications support for NASA and Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1, a lunar lander mission that launched on Jan. 15 and is carrying 10 science and technology instruments to deposit on the Moon. https://jhuapl.link/978 The SCF has provided commanding, ranging, telemetry and Doppler tracking services for spacecraft, from low Earth orbit to deep space for six decades. Originally built to support the world’s first satellite navigation system, Transit, it has contributed to multiple NASA missions and remains a key asset in space situational awareness and satellite position, navigation and timing estimation. The SCF satellite dish is a hallmark of APL’s campus and a vital part of the Lab’s history. It continues to play a critical role in space missions now, and will do so long into the future. #JHUAPL | NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration | #SpaceExploration | #SatelliteTechnology | #LunarExploration | #AerospaceEngineering

As Johns Hopkins APL's mission area executive for National Security Space, Dennis Woodfork will oversee APL initiatives to deliver innovative solutions that advance our nation’s security interests and capabilities in space. https://jhuapl.link/0ba “Dennis is a proven leader whose national security space expertise, experience and service make him the ideal choice to lead our National Security Space Mission Area,” said Bobby Braun, head of APL’s Space Exploration Sector. “His vision and collaborative approach will ensure that APL continues to deliver innovative solutions that advance our nation’s interests and capabilities in space.” Before joining APL in 2016, Woodfork was the assistant chief for technology at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, where he led strategy and technology development for spacecraft guidance, navigation and control, in-space propulsion and space situational awareness. As a colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, Woodfork has overseen a broad range of space portfolios while leading the operational acceptance of space control, space domain awareness, and command & control systems. From 2019-2023, he helped stand up Space Force activities at Peterson and Schriever Space Force Bases. #JHUAPL | #NationalSecurity | #SpaceTechnology | #DefenseTechnology

At Johns Hopkins APL, our scientists and engineers are shaping the future of the cislunar domain, working at the forefront of exploration to accelerate NASA and the nation’s strategic goals. APL's Rachel Klima, deputy principal investigator, brings her expertise to NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer—a mission that will deepen our understanding of lunar water and inform future human exploration. Join NASA’s live broadcast to hear Rachel and other mission experts discuss what’s next for lunar science. Watch live: https://lnkd.in/ewqa-_R6 #JHUAPL | #LunarTrailblazer | #NASA | #CislunarExploration | #SpaceScience

This March, NASA's Electrojet Zeeman Image Explorer (EZIE) trio of solar-powered CubeSats will soar above Earth’s electrojets, which flow just 60 miles above the surface. Designed and built by Johns Hopkins APL, each CubeSat carries a Microwave Electrojet Magnetogram (MEM) instrument that exploits the Zeeman effect—the splitting of spectral lines from thermal radiation emitted by oxygen in the ionosphere—to map Earth’s magnetic field and electric currents, producing unprecedented 2D maps of the electrojets’ distribution across 90-300 miles from 50 miles above Earth’s surface. Learn more about EZIE: https://ezie.jhuapl.edu/ #JHUAPL | NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration | #EZIEMission | #SpaceExploration | #Heliophysics | #SpaceWeather | #EarthScience | #SatelliteTechnology

Johns Hopkins APL is honored that Parker Solar Probe has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2024 Collier Trophy, awarded for the greatest American achievement in aeronautics or astronautics.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins APL are developing an augmented reality (AR) system that leverages predictive anatomy visualization, artificial intelligence and real-time ultrasound to help medics provide faster and more accurate medical care in the field. https://jhuapl.link/5fa In remote conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas, hospitals are often hundreds of miles away. Medical teams must provide critical care — with limited resources and while under constant threat — to patients with wide-ranging medical needs. Using a statistical shape atlas — a detailed map of human anatomy — the system predicts the location of internal organs based on external landmarks. “These models allow medics to ‘see’ beneath the skin and predict where organs are situated,” explains Anna Knight, a biomedical engineer leading the project. Deep-learning techniques, powered by data from hundreds of CT scans, enhance these anatomical predictions, which are displayed in real time via an AR headset. While AR isn’t yet commonplace in battlefield medicine, this technology could soon revolutionize training and, eventually, empower any service member to deliver advanced care in high-stakes environments. #JHUAPL | #ArtificialIntelligence | #AugmentedReality | #MedTech | #FutureOfMedicine | #HealthcareInnovation | #TechTransfer

Meet the Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer (EZIE): NASA’s mission to uncover the mysteries of Earth’s electrojets, launching this March. Designed, led and managed by Johns Hopkins APL, EZIE will use a trio of small satellites to characterize and record the magnetic structure of the auroral electrojets—high-speed, electric currents in the upper atmosphere—over space and time. This mission will fill crucial gaps in our understanding of this space weather phenomenon, its impact on Earth, and offer insights applicable to other magnetized planets, both within and beyond our solar system. Learn more about EZIE: https://ezie.jhuapl.edu/ #JHUAPL | NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration | #EZIEMission | #SpaceExploration | #Heliophysics | #SpaceWeather | #SatelliteTechnology

Johns Hopkins APL's Ashutosh Dutta has been inducted into the New Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) Hall of Fame for his leadership promoting global deployment of the next-gen protocol that enhances Internet access, operations and security. https://jhuapl.link/8fd Dutta, APL’s chief 5G strategist and director of the Doctor of Engineering program in the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, has been one of IPv6’s most prolific advocates over the past two decades. His leadership in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)—the world’s largest technical professional organization for engineers—has driven the protocol’s global adoption. An IEEE Fellow, Dutta has organized 5G summits in over 90 locations, including the IEEE 5G Workshop on First Responder and Tactical Networks at APL. “It is a tremendous honor for me to be invited to join this elite group of visionaries,” Dutta said. “I am encouraged to continue my work towards IPv6 adoption and deployment for the benefit of humanity.” #JHUAPL | IEEE | #Cybersecurity | #NetworkSecurity | #IoT | #5G | #IPv6 | #STEMLeadership | #FutureOfTech